Logistics Automation: The benefits of automation for logistics companies
Employee, customer, and infrastructure safety are among the most important aspects of a Safety Manager, Head of Safety, or EHS Manager’s job. This is even more true when it comes to transportation and storage. One way to achieve this is through automation of processes within the company. In this article, we will explore the benefits of logistics automation for transportation companies. Specifically, we will discuss how automation can improve safety, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.
We will start with an overview of the current state of automation in the transportation industry. Then, we will dive into specific automation technologies and their potential benefits.
Finally, we will see how these technologies can be beneficial for transportation companies.
Current state of automation in the transportation industry.
Automation of processes has become an increasingly important topic in the transportation industry in recent years.
Transportation companies are constantly looking for ways to improve their efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the safety of their employees and customers. Technological advancements have enabled the development of new automation solutions that meet these needs.
However, it is important to note that automation of processes in the transportation industry can take various forms, from GPS tracking systems for trucks and trailers to automated inventory management systems for warehouses and route planning systems for delivery drivers.
Additionally, it is interesting to see how transportation companies use these technologies to improve their performance, such as using GPS tracking systems to optimise route planning or using robots and drones to automate warehouse management. Overall, automation of processes has become a key element for transportation companies looking to improve their performance, reduce costs and ensure the safety of their employees.
It’s even more crucial for the companies to stay informed of the latest trends and automation technologies. Through the examples of leading companies mentioned, we see that they have seized the opportunity created by automation in transportation by being pioneers in its implementation and use, in order to improve their operational performance.
Automation technologies and their potential benefits
Now let’s take a look at the potential benefits generated by automating processes. Among them, we can see the improvement of security, the increase in efficiency and the reduction of costs. And for good reason, logistics companies that adopt automation technologies, such as automated handling robots, real-time order tracking systems and automatic tour planning systems, can achieve significant savings while improving the safety and quality of their operations.
For example, the use of automated handling robots contributes to the reduction of injury risks for workers and increases productivity, while increasing the frequency and speed of goods movement. As for real-time order tracking systems, they offer better visibility of stocks and goods flows, allowing for more efficient planning and cost reduction. We should not forget the role of automatic tour planning systems, which are used to optimise delivery routes and reduce energy costs (fuel).
As a result, many companies have already understood the advantages they can gain from implementing such technologies.
At DHL Supply Chain, this is materialised by the use of automated handling robots, thus improving productivity and drastically reducing costs in their distribution centres. On the side of XPO Logistics, automation is manifested in automatic planning systems, thus optimising delivery routes. For GEODIS, DB Schenker and Kuehne+Nagel, it is through real-time order tracking, thus providing better visibility of stocks and goods flows.
As you can see, automation technologies have many potential benefits for logistics companies, whether it be the improvement of security, the increase in efficiency and the reduction of costs and as a result, companies looking to improve their operational performance should consider implementing these technologies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is undeniable that the automation of logistics processes brings many benefits to transportation companies. Between the improvement of safety, the increase in efficiency and the reduction of costs, automation technologies have become essential in the logistics sector.
Since the 2000s, we have witnessed a real revolution in this field, with the emergence of new technologies such as robotics, AI, and drones.
For transportation companies that want to implement automation technologies, it is important to remember that these changes do not happen overnight. It is important to properly evaluate the company’s needs and plan investments accordingly. It is also essential to train employees on new technologies for a smooth transition.
Many solutions on the market provide data before and after the goods have reached the loading bay. What about the processes that take place between these two periods? Have a look at the Salvo InSite solution, which might provide more information on those crucial operations taking place between loading and unloading.
Companies that successfully integrate automation into their logistics process are the ones that stand out from the competition. This then results in a competitive advantage that is difficult to compensate for if best practices are adopted late.
Article by Castell Safety International
Castell Safety International is part of the Sentric group, which consists of three sister companies – Kirk in the US, Castell in the UK and STI in France. Sentric group produces uncompromising safety solutions for businesses whose people and equipment operate in harsh and safety critical environments.
From power generation and distribution, heavy plant works to loading bays and many industries in between, we believe that everyone has the right to be safe at work.
For more information on Salvo logistic solutions visit https://www.castell.com/our-products/logistics-solutions/or contact sales@castell.com to speak to a loading dock expert.
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